Thursday, 20 May 2010

Our final game of the season - the short journey to the Eagle Valley home of Arnold Town FC, to see Caribbean Cavaliers take on Hucknall Rolls Leisure in the NSL Senior Cup Final.Turned out to be a very good evening, even though it was extended due to the teams needing extra time and penalties to seperate them, and I was feeling a bit rough....Full match report from Hucknall Dispatch

For me and Kev this was more of a social occasion, and we spent a lot of the game in the company of friends we have made over the last few years.

Referee Rob Townsend, Notts F.A's Mick Kilbee, Hucknall Town Chairman Dave Gamble, fellow bloggist Adam Barlow, 2 x Peter Craggs, "wanderer" Richard Lane, physio Fred Kirk, journalist Brian Dennett, Linby CW striker Jonny Scott and former Hucknall Town, now Worksop Town midfielder Deon Meikle. We have known Deon for a few years now, since his days with the Eastwood Town Academy. Many thanks for the photo opportunity Deon!!

Yours truly and Deon Meikle

I also finally took possession of Roger Rann's two books " Kings Of The Recs" and "When Mary's Were Kings"......books charting the history of football in Arnold - looking forward to reading these over the next few football free weeks!

Most of the Rolls players were just back from a short break in Benidorm, and for a while it showed! They looked a little sluggish and offered little up front. Rolls were lucky that Referee Colin White waved away what looked like a certain penalty for Cavs on 34, but when Mr. White awarded Cavs a free-kick five minutes later, Tom Simpson smashed the ball goalwards. With Rolls keeper Neil Waters seemingly well position to save, the ball deflected off the head of defender Richard Harrison, hit the inside of the post and nestled in the back of the net! H-T 1-0

Rolls had struggled with just Andy Start up top, but the introduction of 19 year-old Harry Allen as his strike partner changed the game dramatically. The youngster levelled the scores on 80 after the ball fell kindly to him six yards out. F-T 1-1

Cavs sub Ryan Perkins lit up the game in the 98th minute, rounding Waters before taking his time to line up a shot that dissected the two defenders who were covering the line. With full time looming it was that man Allen again who once again levelled the scores, latching on to a long punt forward before chipping Cav keeper Dave Martt from the edge of the box. F-T 2-2

Although Harrison missed Rolls' first spot kick, they went 3-2 up and just needed skipper Jonathan Wass to convert to give them the trophy. He missed and Perkins stepped up to make it 3-3. Jonathan Dakers then missed for Rolls, but Cavs Robert Bolton smashed home his kick to give them the victory.

Admission £3 ( inc programme)

Attendance - given out as 190 + children

Season tally -- games 109 with goals 393 at an average of 3.6055 per gameOn The Road will be back next season - blog already sorted !!

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Played at Calverton MW FC, pleasant setting, pleasant company and a mild evening. Much better game than the Tuesday night effort ... and a decent turn-out - we reckon over 150 present.

Met up with Richard "Wanderer" Lane - he'd been at Trent Bridge all day and just made Calverton for the kick off. Also in the company of evergreen Brian Dennett... mind you he didn't stay with us long - I think he went and had a talk to every single person in the ground !!!

The first three goals were all down to poor goal-keeping ...the first in the 8th minute saw Newark's keeper parry a shot he ought to have held - presenting the Carlton no.7 with a simple tap in from close range. Newark levelled on 27 when Carlton keeper Ross Cherry missed his kick giving the Flowserve 11 jacket an open goal to run the ball in to.

I really don't know whether the Carlton second goal should be put down to a goal-keeping error - but when Carlton's Matt Wilkinson flighted the ball goalwards from 40 yards out on 31, the Newark keeper was way off his line, and even though he back-tracked he failed to stop the ball entering the net. Goal-keeping error? May be a bit harsh H-T 2-1

The second half was full of flowing football, but chances were at a bit of a premium. Two great saves by the Newark keeper in the 72nd minute kept his team in the game, but when Carlton's no.9 played in his strike partner on 79, there was little the keeper could do other than watch as the ball was stroked into the net. Carlton were awarded a penalty right on full time that their 11 shirt fired home. F-T 4-1

This was the second time we have seen Carlton win a trophy after their epic game with Coronation in April

Admission £2

H/C 150

Thursday -- More NSL -- Senior Cup Final at Arnold Town kick off 7:30pm

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

I think I've seen worse games than this, but not many come to mind! Still, end of season, nothing to play for and Cavs resting their 1st team so they are fresh for their NSL Cup Final on Thursday, what did I expect?

Took a few arty-farty pics, and was poised to take a few of the game, but after 20 minutes I put the camera away and had a chat with Brian Dennett. He made a few predictions about which Carlton Town players will follow Tommy Brookbanks to Hucknall - I will keep the list and check it out prior to the new season starting.

Ought to have known what was to come when the Cavs manager said "if you don't beat us tonight, you never will " to the Welfare manager! It looked a good shout as after 10 minutes the home team were 2-0 up through their no. 9 Jake Fisher, and no. 11 Reece Bertram.

No. 11 ready to pounce on the loose ball to net the second goal

Should have been 3-0 on 18 when the Cavs keeper bundled the Bertram over in the box. Straight forward? No ! The ball was passed from the spot (!!) to Bertram who blazed it hopelessly high, wide and not very handsome from 8 yards out!

Here you go buddy -- just kick it into the net!!! Ooopps!

2-0 at the break - went for a sit down and endured a further 27 minutes without a goal until sub Ryan Docherty tapped in from close range after the Cavs defence failed to deal with a corner played into the six-yard box. F-T 3-0

Luckily, no-one had blocked me in so first out of the ground and home 10 minutes after the final whistle.

Saturday, 15 May 2010

There were a couple of games we could have gone to, but as Kev was busy and I like to watch the F.A. Cup final coverage on TV, we gave them a miss even though this was effectively the last Saturday of the 2009-2010 season.

Three possible games next week, all in the Notts Senior League. Reading Rob Waite's excellent the66pow blog, it appears he is taking in Doncaster Senior League games. The NSL and DSL seem to be running a lot later than other leagues. I can only assume that the majority of the teams in these leagues have no floodlights, and the volume of games lost due to the crap winter can't be played mid-week, leaving the leagues no alternative other than to extend their seasons.

Hope to call it a day with "On The Road 2009-2010" towards the end of May .... already set up "On The Road 2010-2011" and we will be back in July as we take in some of the local pre-season games.

Hope to write a "best of / worst of" within the next couple of weeks, but after that, a few weeks off will be most welcome!

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Getting towards the end of a third season on "On The Road", with just three probable games left before I hang up my pen for a few weeks.

The Ladies County Cup game is the last Notts F.A. Cup final of the season, and on this occasion it was played at the Welfare ground home of Forest Town FC. Full circle for Notts F.A. as the first final was also at Forest Town.

Greeted at the gate by F.A. Officials Mick Kilbee and Malcolm Fox. A nice gesture by Mr.Kilbee to let me and Daft Lad into the ground as their guests, as we apparently have been at more Notts F.A. finals than have their Committee members!! Much appreciated.

Grabbed a word or two with Forest Town's Pete Craggs who appeared to be enjoying his burger and chips, followed by a pint of Magners....

Also had a chat with Clifton a player I managed at youth level, Mike Banister. He's had a good season with Clifton, who secured the Notts Senior League Senior Division Championship last weekend.

The teams line up.......

....and are presented to the Notts F.A. representatives

Forest Ladies took the lead in the 8th minute - a sweet well placed free-kick from 22 yards by CAROLINE LAWSON easily beating diminutive Rolls keeper Hayley Wilson.

The ball on it's way into the net

Justine Turley had the Rolls best effort on 19, her shot from fully 35 yards just flying over the Forest crossbar. KATIE WADDELL added Forest's second with 29 minutes played, the pocket sized no. 11 jinked her way into the box before slotting past Wilson. On 36 SUZANNE DAVIES battled her way into the box before hitting the ball between Wilson and her near post. Seconds later the game was effectively over as NATALIE CLARKE crashed the ball through a ruck of players from 6 yards. H-T 4-0

The second half saw Rolls perform much better, and they had a couple of decent chances to reduce their arrears, but Forest keeper Claire Wallhead remained alert after having a fairly quiet first half. It took Forest until the 75th minute to add their fifth and final goal. SUZANNE DAVIES had seconds earlier hit a tame effort at Wilson, but the striker made no mistake when presented with the ball 12 yards from goal, fairly lashing the ball home. F-T 5-0

Tough tackling Ellie Gilliat - received the games only yellow card

Too cold to stay for the Trophy presentation!! Where is this global warming they keep talking about???

Admission : Notts F.A. guests

H/C 80+

Saturday - no game

Monday - hoping to get to Digby Street to see Caribbean Cav play Kimberley MW

Monday, 10 May 2010

Programme £2 .... worst value for money ever! Who the hell decided that effort is worth £2 can't be right in the head. 12 pages of nothing!!!

Conference North v UniBond Premier.Turned out to be quite a poor game, but there were a couple of cracking goals. Kev behind the wheel for this one - he is the numero uno for City Centre driving.

Arrived at Meadow Lane with time to spare and bought a programme expecting something akin to Andy Cope's superb effort last season. Felt thoroughly ripped off when I was handed the thing.

Had a quick chat to Aggedor on the way to our seats, and then the public address system came on.... and stayed on throughout the game --- a constant hisssssssssss that was enough to drive you crackers! On a scale of 1 -10 for annoying this was a definate12!

The teams were presented to the Notts FA's elite, and we settled back for the anticipated football feast. Soon got bored - the first decent chance not created until the 10th minute when Marquin Smith volleyed just wide. From the goal-kick the ball was collected by Duncum who dribbled his way into the box before firing wide of the goal.

Meikle looked to be Struggling for Town, but his mazy run and cross on 12 gave DANNY HOLLAND a chance from close range and he duly slotted past Lindley. Meikle was eventually replaced on 27 by Simon Brown, and he told me at the break it was a hamstring injury that ended his participation.

Mat Bailey had a header well saved by Lindley in the 32nd minute, but it was United who scored the games next goal. COLIN MARRISON looping a header from a free-kick over Danby after he was left unmarked some 12 yards from goal. H-T 1-1

Grabbed a word or two with Notts F.A. Secretary Mick Kilby during the interval. He related how he allocated Tuesday 11th May as the date for the Notts F.A. Junior Cup final and that as a mad keen Forest fan he was shattered when he realised the play-off second leg between Forest and Blackpool is to be played on the same date! Having only missed half-a-dozen Forest home games in 45 years, you have to feel for Mick, but duty calls and he has to be at the Cup final!

The second half was poor and for the first 20 minutes we were watching the cricket on the TV situated in the "posh" area. Our attention was drawn back to the game when Anton Foster made a darting run at the United defence. After racing across the goal area he played the ball to Mat Bailey who steered it towards the goal where David Brown flicked on for DANNY HOLLAND to tap in.

Not much else to add to the regulation time, but when Referee Stuart Richardson allocated three minutes of added time, we had a feeling we were going to be out late - and would you believe it in the 93rd minute DARYL THOMAS crashed home a terrific shot that sent us into extra-time. F-T 2-2

It was so cold that we debated about whether to stay on or not, but as it happened we are pleased we did.

Retford were awarded a free-kick 20 odd yards from goal, and Chris Bettney fired in a great effort than Town keeper did well to tip over for a corner. From the corner though, MARQUIN SMITH rose like a salmon to power home a superb header and give Retford the lead for the first time in the game. 6 minutes later Retford committed defensive suicide - keeper and defenders not on the same wavelength allowing DAVID BROWN to nip in and roll home the equaliser.

We were still hoping upon hope that one team would break the deadlock before we went to penalties, when with just 90 seconds to play MAT BAILEY curled a fantastic shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. Wonderful goal - although Eastwood barely deserved their victory, that goal was well worth the entry fee. F-T 4-3

Didn't stay for the presentations, it was too bloody cold - so a quick hot foot to the car and heater on full!!

Saturday, 8 May 2010

Not been to Linby since the pre-season " Battle Of Church Lane" pre-season. This was not our original game of choice, but watching the Florists on the telly meant we had to find a very, very local game to make a 3pm kick off. I say "we" - Kev was busy with car repairs so couldn't make the game.

Linby have just parted company with their management team and for this game they fielded an under strength team - Linby secured their position in the Senior Division last week, and are now looking to get a new face at the helm. I spent the second half in the company of one of the hopefuls - he was only at the game because he had just been interviewed for the job. Can't name him - he is with another team at the moment and they still have games to play.

Not the best facilities, but adequate

Nice setting though

Managed to get the last parking place - right next to the gate.

Tony Boulton and David Udoh get the game under way

Got to the ground at 2:50pm and it was throwing it down. Just before kick off the rain stopped and the sun came out - and it was quite warm for a while! Brought out about a million gnats, but not for long though because the sun was quickly covered by rolling black clouds and the rain soon returned. Not much cover at Linby took so the trusty brolly pitchside, and it was needed!

Linby keeper Craig Lear made a couple of early saves, but his best were after 20 minutes had been played - two cracking point blank saves from David Udoh. Linby's first chance fell to right back Richard Pell on 25, but he blazed his effort into the side netting. From the goal-kick, the ball found TONY BOULTON just inside the box - he made no mistake slotting past Lear with ease. H-T 0-1

Went to the car at the break to get out of the biting wind - had a little time to ponder what Forest Town have let themselves in for next season. No gate, basic facilities, very ordinary officiating, poor standard of football -- and the game had to be stopped two minutes into the second half so some dog crap could be removed from the pitch. The CMFL might have it's knockers, but Linby used to play in the CMFL, and dropping into the NSL seems to have done nothing at all to improve the club....

Lear made another couple of good stops early in the second half - more point blank stuff, but on the hour mark he could do nothing as a fierce 16 yards DANNY BLANCHARD bullet flew past him into the net. 10 minutes later DANNY CHAPLIN prodded home from close range and as the rain got heavier near the end, IAN FOSS added the visitors fourth - tapping in from about a foot after the defenders had all stopped, expecting an offside flag that never materialised!! F-T 0-4

Friday, 7 May 2010

Five games on 5 consecutive weekdays !! First time ever! It has to be said though, that we have seen a few poor games this week, but this was a good 'un...

Belper Town Reserves were crowned League Champions after last weeks demolition of Forest Town Ressies, while Blidworth have ended the season bottom of the league. The difference in class was not noticable in the first half, but one class header from MICKY HARCOURT put the Nailers ahead on 39. Prior to the goal, Blid were unlucky when a snap shot crashed off the Belper crossbar, and Tom Pressman was alert enough to block the shot that came in from the rebound.

H-T 0-1

Classic moment 1) As the Blid team exited the ground for a half time cuppa, one of the subs was asked " which foot are you? " the reply from the player "any" the response "ok you're left back"... brill !

Blidworth kept their illustrious opponents at bay for the first 20 minutes of ther second period. Then they subbed a defender for the linesman ( club linesmen at this level), and Belper promptly added their second through TOM COOPER-RICHARDS, a neat side-foot that went under keeper Jason Fisher to nestle in the back of the net. Seconds later SAM JOHNSON ran through the Blid defence and hammered the ball past Fisher to make it 3-0. This goal showed the value of linesmen checking the net before kick-off. Obviously club linesmen don't perform this task, and only those with keen eyesight noticed the ball had entered the net before exiting through the side of the net....

SAM JOHNSON had a simple tap in on 75, and then with four to play former Eastwood player Rob Palin, who looked good through out the game, found the Belper no.14 with a pinpoint cross from the right and the sub calmly fired home. JOHNSON netted again in the last minute to complete his hat-trick. F-T 0-6

Classic moment 2) The linesman who was subbed calling to his team-mates " it was only 0-1 when I came off!" Magic!

You have to tip your hat to these players... where should they be on a Friday night? Playing a meaningless game in the pouring rain, in freezing temperatures, or in the pub with their mates?

Thursday, 6 May 2010

The aim this week was to try and get a game a day......so far, so good - even if it has meant watching some poor matches. Apart from the Louth v Newark cup final on Monday the games have been poor. This was no exception - a dour game that never really took off. Harworth scored a goal in each half - and had a penalty saved, but in all honesty they could have had 6 or 7 - only a combination of poor finishing and decent keeping kept the score respectable for Kimberley.The first goal came on 35 - GARY SIDES flicking the ball over Lycett from 12 yards after the ball was played into the box. Ryan Paczkowski saw his weak penalty saved by Lycett in the 53rd minute - the striker had been brought down by the keeper who was lucky to only receive a yellow for the offence. DAVE REEVE netted again on 90, and thankfully the Referee added only a couple of minutes on - a quick race to the car to try and get warm -- it was another bitterly cold night and the football offered did nothing to warm us up. F-T 0-2Admission £3H/C 23

Friday - Blidworth Welfare Ressies v Belper Town Ressies

Saturday - change of plan -- we were due to go the Radcliffe Olympic, but with the Tricky Trees on t'telly we have opted for a game 5 minutes down the road -- Linby CW v Bilborough Pelican.

Wednesday, 5 May 2010

Another trip to the Lido home of Clipstone Welfare for this cup final.My turn behind the wheel and wouldn't you know it, there were no parking places near to the ground. I had one look, then turned around for a second look, then had to drive back around the big roundabout before making my mind up to park on the grass verge some 50 yards up the road from the actual Stadium. I'll never live it down -- Kev ALWAYS poxes a place....always!

The game was nothing to write home about - Normo went ahead in the 24th minute when their no. 10 dribbled delightfully into the box before firing past the Calvo keeper. Calvo had a shot from their no. 7 crash off the bar on 26, then the same player volleyed just wide a few minutes later. H-T 0-1

South Normanton had the ball in the net again 3 minutes into the second half, this time the no. 7 slotting home at the far post after latching onto a superb ball in from the left. With just 5 to play, Calverton reduced the arrears when their 9 shirt fired past the keeper after a great run down the right from George Lutaaya. Normo were pegged back in their half for the remaining 6 minutes, but despite a few jittery moments they managed to hang on to their lead to become CML President's cup winners 2009-10. F-T 1-2

Spent the game in the company of "wanderer" Richard Lane - always a pleasure to watch a game with Richard - a proper non-league football fan ..

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

Played at Carlton Town's Bill Stokeld Stadium, this was a tale of bad tempers, bad officiating and some truly awful "supporters". I use the word "supporter" loosely - and I am sure Basford will want to distance themselves from one certain person. He was so unhappy at an offside decision that wiped out a goal that would have brought Basford back into the game at 2-1, that he climbed over the perimeter fencing and went eye-ball to eye-ball with the Assistant Referee who was perfectly positioned to make the ruling. We were behind the goal and the Basford no. 10 was clearly offside when he prodded the ball home. Just the keeper between him and the goal.

Not a moment for Basford or the NSL to be proud of and surely there will be repercussions. The Referee had a poor game, and never appeared to be in control. No team sheets and no idea who the Ref was, so I have no personal axe to grind. He will probably reflect on his performance and know he could have handled this game a lot better.

Basford started the game looking a decent attacking force with Richard Liburd looking good, but the Rolls back four were solid enough and were marshalled superbly by former Eastwood favourite Lee Soar. Despite all the pressure, Rolls took the lead against the run of play on 18 when their no. 9 shirt Andy Start, nipped in to lift the ball past the United keeper after it was deflected into his path. H-T 0-1

Basford almost levelled on 51, but their no. 9 was not so assured with his finishing, powering a header wide from only 6 yards out. Jonathan Wass fired home a cracking drive on 73 to make it 2-0 to Rolls and ease some nerves, but then came the controversy. The whole incident was somewhat unsavoury and culminated with the United no. 11 being given his marching orders. They were down to 10 men, but Basford did score with 5 to go ... a corner from the right headed onto the bar, and the no. 3 Tobias Richardson on hand to nod home the rebound. 4 minutes of added time were played before the Referee called time on this game. F-T 1-2

Monday, 3 May 2010

Exhausted from just watching this, but you have to feel for Louth Town. The Supreme Division champions and Floodlight Cup winners could have done without extra time as they have another cup final at Glandford Park on Tuesday. If only they could have held on -- but it was not to be as Newark levelled right on full time.

This was a fabulous game played at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena, and although I took copious notes and over 80 pics, I don't think my ramblings can possibly do this game justice.

After the usual presentation and the customary National Anthem(!), the game kicked of in glorious sunshine, but it was a little deceptive because let me tell you, it was bloody cold.

Louth took the lead on 16 when CARL MARTIN dived to head home Leverett's free kick

Leverett's free-kick headed home by Martin

4 minutes later Leverett was again provider, sliding the ball into the 6 yard box where MIKE ARMSTRONG was wating to slot home. Newark came back strongly and in the 24th minute they were celebrating their first of the game - a cracking chip by CALLUM FRASER beating keeper Wherry.

Frazer levels for Newark

The scores were level on 37, Newark skipper SIMON GREENFIELD powering home a header from a free-kick. Louth had a great chance to go in leading at the break, but Watts effort crashed off the bar and Leverett hit the loose ball at goal, it was hacked off the line. H-T 2-2

Greenfield heads home for Newark to make it 2-2

Newark took the early initiative in the second half, and it looked like Ellison had scored on 47, but his shot had only rippled the side netting. Louth were back in front on 69 - and although KURT CROSSLEY fired home well from 18 yards, he appeared to have handled the ball when it was played to him from midfield.

Just as we were getting set to go home, Newark were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. The ball was fired into the 6 yard box where LUKE PARSONS rose to head home. F-T 3-3

Parsons heads home on 90 to make it 3-3

The game went into extra time, and Wilford almost gave Newark a dream start, but his terrific drive crashed off the upright with Wherry well beaten. Louth went ahead yet again a minute into the second period of extra-time, PAUL WATTS diving full-length to head home. Newark could have lost the will to live, but they didn't and they were awared a penalty in the114th minute that STEVE CARTY calmly fired past Wherry. F-T 4-4

Carty makes it 4-4 from the spot

Penalties it was, and the chance for someone to gain hero status..... Newark keeper Craig Lamb duly oblidged saving the first three Louth spot-kicks.

Kicks as follows:

Louth - Watts - saved

Newark - Carty -scored

Louth - Martin - saved

Newark - Brooks -scored

Louth - Armstrong - saved

Newark - Greenfield - saved

Louth - Smith - scored

Newark - Wilson - scored

Wilson hits the winning penalty - Newark win 3-1 on pens

Greenfield lifts the cup....

Excellent game, but who ordered the bloody weather? It was freezing!!!

Saturday, 1 May 2010

Thursday saw both of us waxing lyrical about a minor cup game, then we get this! Under strength teams who are just playing out the season - Kirkby only had one sub, and although Forest Town named two, they were both suffering from injuries!

Johnson gifted the ball to Nathan Watson on 8, but striker failed to take advantage and blazed wide of the target. In the 11th minute Croucher did well to find McDonald 12 yards from goal, but again the effort flew wide.

McDonald fires wide

Watson managed to get his head to a Hollingsworth cross on 38, but his header failed to trouble Johnson in the Foggo goal. H-T 0-0 -- it was something of a relief to leave the ground to get a cuppa.

Second half had to be better and it was, although not much!

Kirkby no. 4 "Butch" Walters had a great chance to break the deadlock, racing in one-on-one with Johnson in the 49th minute, but the keeper advanced and blocked well. Sondhi had a try from 18 yards soon after, but the effort was tame and didn't overly trouble Whittingham in the home goal. Elliott volleyed over from Castledine's cross on 51 as Forest Town gradually took control of the game.

Hollingsworth's free-kick after 55 was met well in the area by Nat Watson, but again the effort was off target. On the hour mark, Foggo defender Ryan Gregory ran more or less the full length of the pitch before toe-poking a shot just over.

Watson goes closeThe visitors pressure paid off in the 79th minute when DOMONIC ELLIOTT fired home from 15 yards after latching onto a ball in from the left.

Elliott celebrates after opening the scoring

With one minute to go, Mackay was upended in the box, and Referee Mr. James Bateman duly pointed to the spot. GARY CASTLEDINE stepped up and slotted home, making the points safe. F-T 0-2

By this time it was starting to rain a little, but halfway home it chucked it down - hail, rain etc .....but when we got back to Hucknall, no trace of any precipitation at all.....strange........

Admission £3

Programme £2

Raffle £1 ( I assume I didn't win!)

Tea £0.75 - a large styrofoam cup that received a big thumbs up from Kev.